Steve McQueen, an actor who defined a generation. An actor who was praised by fans for his feats of bravery both on and off-screen. Though many actors put on personas to sell the brands they come to identify with, McQueen very much lived the life he portrayed on film and tv. He had an effect on automation akin to a Midas touch, perhaps a "McQueen Touch" that made any car he even vaguely interacted with into an instant classic.
A complete gearhead, McQueen was a well-known racer and sports car enthusiast. The actor loved automation from a young age, once destroying a tank engine while attempting to tune it up during his time in the armed forces.
Unapologetic, magnetic, and daring is how his fans, colleagues, and loved ones remember McQueen best, and his impressive car collection reflected those qualities perfectly. Much like the man, every car in this list packs a secret underlying intensity and power wrapped in a classic, suave exterior.
10 1958 Porsche 1600 Super Speedster
Starting off with perhaps the most iconic McQueen ride, this Porsche 1600 SS was one of the Hollywood megastar's favorite possessions. He would often be seen tearing down the streets of Los Angeles with his then-wife, Neile Adams. In fact, this car had such a close tie to McQueen's family that it is the only one still owned by a family member, his son, Chad McQueen.
9 1969 Porsche 908 Spyder
McQueen famously raced this car while sporting a gruesome broken leg from a previous dirt bike injury. By the time he had finished the race, the cast had all but melted off, leaving a thin strip of gauze clinging to his leg. Nevertheless, McQueen managed to finish the race in 2nd place. This 69' Porsche would also go on to appear in the iconic McQueen film "Le Mans", which has defined and inspired racing movies for generations, though initially unpopular with critics of the time.
8 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3
At the time of its production, this classy "Benz" was the fastest sedan on the market. With its matching black exterior and leather interior, it was definitely one of the classiest cars in McQueen's collection. This European model was actually slightly faster than its American counterpart, on-brand with McQueen's preference.
7 Special Order 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo Carrera
If there is one thing every Steve McQueen fan can agree on, it is that the man loved Porsches. Bought four years before his unfortunate early demise in 1980, this Custom Carrera was his last custom order car. Reportedly one of his favorite cars to drive in with his then 15-year-old son, Chad, McQueen never stopped adding and improving the capabilities of the car.
6 1967 FERRARI 275 GTB/4
This Ferrari GTB is a top-of-the-line as cars get. Built with incredible power, torque, and control, it would be hard to find any car at its time that could keep up. This car was delivered to McQueen on the set of the legendary film "Bullitt" which starts off with one of the greatest car chases in cinematic history. Though McQueen was never able to purchase the Mustang he drove in the film, this incredible feat of automation was more than enough to soothe his pains.
5 1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Convertible
This beautiful yellow Styline was one of McQueen's last cars and co-stars. After production had wrapped on his final project, "The Hunter", the actor made sure to purchase the car that he had driven. This car perfectly encapsulates the progression of McQueen's taste, which became much more reserved and refined later in life compared to the bold and fast sports cars of his youth.
4 Siata 208s
This beautiful piece of Italian engineering which McQueen lovingly referred to as his "little Ferrari" was a sight to behold on the road. Made with a super-light frame and an incredibly powerful engine, this ride ensured that McQueen got where he was going in style, and got there fast.
3 Jaguar XKSS
Currently on display in the Peterson Automotive Museum, this 1956 Jaguar XKSS is often the first one that comes to mind when thinking of Steve McQueen's car collection. Originally a street version of the Jaguar D type, the XKSS brought incredible power and speed in addition to its slick and elegant design. To add to its already exclusive status, the XKSS is one of only sixteen ever built due to an unfortunate fire in the assembly plant. However, thanks to dedicated automakers and McQueen fans, the originally lost 9 XKSSs have been replaced with handmade replicas.
2 1970 Porsche 911s
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Yet another car from the iconic "Le Mans" film, this Porsche had the opposite journey in Mcqueen's life. After driving a Porsche 911 in the intro of the film, the star reportedly ordered to have one delivered on set. Though incredibly impressive by itself, this Porsche is yet another car blessed by the "McQueen touch", becoming an instant classic from the first few frames of the film.
1 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso
This was the car that started it all. Bought by his wife for his birthday, this Berlinetta Lusso was the first piece of machinery that McQueen fell head over heels for. Painted in a classy warm brown, many LA natives still remember seeing McQueen tear it down Sunset Boulevard in his iconic ride. Recently test-driven by the Sunday Times, this luxurious Lusso still holds up to newer models in both style and speed. In fact, the car is so iconic that Ferrari itself got into hot waters for using McQueen's likeness to advertise a similar "McQueen" inspired design.